2013 Harford Guide Shopping in Harford

Shops in the historic downtown area of Washington Street in Havre de Grace.

Shops in the historic downtown area of Washington Street in Havre de Grace. (Photo by: Kenneth K. Lam)

Jennifer Broadwater

Whether you prefer department stores or small boutiques, there is something for every shopper in Harford County. For some, the best place to start is Bel Air, also known as the “heart of Harford County.” At the intersection of routes 1 and 24, there are four shopping centers: Harford Mall, Tollgate Marketplace, Bel Air Plaza and Bel Air Town Center.

Harford Mall is home to more than 75 stores, including American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works, Macy’s and Sears. The recently renovated mall also includes an outdoor component with new stores and restaurants such as Bonefish Grill and Five Guys Burgers.

Across the street from Harford Mall is Tollgate Marketplace, an outdoor shopping strip that includes TJ Maxx, Men’s Wearhouse, Pier 1 Imports, Toys “R” Us, Michaels and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, along with several other stores and restaurants. Meanwhile, the Bel Air Plaza Shopping Center has national retailers such as Ross and Bed Bath & Beyond. Nearby, the Bel Air Town Center has more than 20 businesses and restaurants.

Main Street in downtown Bel Air is a prime shopping destination with boutiques for everything from children’s toys to women’s clothing. After an afternoon of shopping, you can grab a cup of coffee or enjoy an outdoor lunch at one of the town’s locally owned and operated restaurants and cafés.

The Festival at Bel Air, on Route 24 at Bel Air South Parkway, has more than 75 stores and businesses including Kohl’s and Marshalls. Also on Route 24 is Constant Friendship Shopping Center in Abingdon, where discount retailers such as Walmart, Target and BJ’s Wholesale Club thrive. Lowe’s and PETsMART are tenants as well as the 14-screen Regal Cinemas complex. Just across the street you’ll find a DSW shoe store and Home Goods store. And in 2011, Wegmans opened at the nearby Boulevard at Box Hill.

Located on Route 40 in Joppa is Joppatowne Plaza Shopping Center, which includes Redner’s Warehouse Markets, Dollar Tree and a flea market, while Beards Hill Plaza Shopping Center in Aberdeen is home to Home Depot and Radio Shack. In the northern end of the county, Kohl’s recently opened in Forest Hill, as well as Walmart in Fallston.

Havre de Grace also offers shoppers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. The city is known for its abundance of antiques shops and boutiques. Shoppers can easily walk from shop to shop, stopping at local restaurants along the way. Or stroll along the city’s famous waterfront promenade to take in views of the Susquehanna River.